Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Archdiocesan Council of Indianapolis

Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering, in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frederic Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul. As a reflection of the whole family of God, members, who are known as Vincentians, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility, and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings, and adherence to a basic Rule. Organized locally, Vincentians witness God's love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served, because in them Vincentians see the face of Christ..

Our SVDP Council is operated and maintained by a staff that is 100% volunteers. No one receives monetary compensation; therefore, 100% of all donations go to help the needy. We receive no government money Federal. State or Local, no Church money outside of poor box collections and no United Way money unless specifically designated by the donor.

We service needy persons regardless of religious affiliations, race or national origin. Our home visitors determine that a genuine need exists.

Once a week our volunteers take our special "beggars for the poor" truck to the inner city with food, toiletries and clothing to serve 50 to 100 homeless people or more.